José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises joint action by Outermost Regions in “Canary Islands Declaration” - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, has signed the “Canary Islands Declaration,” a joint document drawn up by the European Union’s Outermost Regions, which sets out a common position with a view to the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034.

The declaration was signed in Tenerife on Monday. It sets as its main goal the development of a coordinated response by these regions to the European institutions, with a view to ensuring that the European Union's future budget and the accompanying policies clearly take into account their specific characteristics and needs.

In the document, the Outermost Regions emphasise their strategic value to the European Union, highlighting their geopolitical, economic, environmental and scientific roles, as well as their contribution to Europe’s presence in the Atlantic, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and South America. Meanwhile, they highlight the permanent constraints they face, such as distance, remoteness, the small size of their markets and dependence on a limited number of sectors.

José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of a strong common position at a decisive moment for setting European priorities, defending that “Outermost Regions must be heard and respected in the decisions that shape the future of the Union.”

“It is essential to ensure that the next European financial framework responds appropriately to the specific challenges we face, safeguarding cohesion, competitiveness and opportunities for our people,” the President of the Government further emphasised.

The President of the Regional Government added that “there cannot be a one-size-fits-all European policy for such diverse realities,” advocating for solutions tailored to the specificities of the Outermost Regions. In this regard, he noted: “We need stability, predictability and our own instruments to ensure sustainable development in our territories.”

The statement highlights that the next financial framework will be decisive for areas such as territorial cohesion, food security, climate resilience, connectivity and employment, defending that these aspects must be addressed with an approach adapted to the realities of the Outermost Regions.

Outermost regions also advocate that the full implementation of Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be reflected in all European policies, including cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, transport, energy, trade, migration and the digital transition, ensuring specific measures to offset their structural constraints.

Against a backdrop of concern regarding the initial guidelines for the next European budget, the document warns of the risks of one-size-fits-all solutions that fail to consider the specific characteristics of these territories. As such, it calls for concerted action between Portugal, Spain and France as a means of increasing the Outermost Regions' influence with the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament.

Therefore, the signatory regions commit to maintaining a joint, consistent and visible approach to ensure that the European Union's future financial framework and policies effectively reflect their needs, potential and strategic contribution to the European project.

The statement was signed by Fernando Clavijo Batlle, President of the Government of the Canary Islands, José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores, and Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana.